Being spotted in the street by a film producer when I was five. I had very long, vividly bright red hair, and it must have caught somebody's eye – though the hair was a bit irrelevant, as films were black and white in those days.

What was your big breakthrough?

When I was about 20 or 21, I came to a fork in the road: I had to choose between doing a film in the US, and staying in England to do a revival of Look Back in Anger at the Royal Court. I chose the latter, and it was really my breakthrough into serious theatre.

Who or what have you sacrificed for your art?

I'd like to think very little, firstly because describing it as "art" makes me embarrassed. An actor's job is about putting across the author's intention; I don't think of myself on the same level as a creator. And also because real life is much more important – when you have a family, you have a moment when you have to decide, do I want to be with them, or do I want to go on pretending to be other people?

Thank God I've never had the sort of intense fame that means you can't walk up the road. That sort of blazing stardom must be difficult to cope with and maintain; my career has just bubbled along happily.

I remember one review that began "Jane Asher, whose charm has always somehow escaped me …". I thought, God, talk about starting from a position of some prejudice.

In short

Born: London, 1946.

Career: Began acting aged five, in the 1952 film Mandy; TV and film work includes Alfie and Crossroads. Has also worked extensively in theatre, and performs in The Importance of Being Earnest and Farewell to the Theatre at the Rose, Kingston, until 30 October. Details: 08444 821 556.